Page 1159 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 431

9 October 2014

Asbestos

Asbestos is a major hazard on sites, and can still be found on fascia boards or areas we are likely to be
working. Last month one of our engineers discovered asbestos behind a shop front fascia panel, after
he spotted the suspicious substance he stopped work and reported it. After testing it was confirmed to
contain asbestos and was removed by a specialist company.

Asbestos is still one of the biggest killers, and you won’t know until it is too late – asbestos takes years
to manifest and become a life threatening problem. If you suspect any substance may contain asbestos,
do not touch it, report it to your line manager immediately.

Our management system, Xmoman, identifies on the service orders where the site is known to contain
asbestos, but do not rely on this – check the sites asbestos register when you sign in, and keep your
eyes open for any unidentified asbestos that may be buried behind panels.

Think you know all about asbestos? Try taking the HSE asbestos quiz and see how you fare -
http://www.hse.gov.uk/ASBESTOS/hiddenkiller/facts-start.htm

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything we do has
been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and charts, some through visual
presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we receive information in a format that works
for us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters,
videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for us to share health and safety information, please let us know.
Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we will do all we can to keep you well informed!